Melting glaciers force Switzerland and Italy to redefine their borders
Switzerland and Italy have been forced to redraw their borders in the Alps as melting glaciers disrupt the historically established boundaries between the two neighboring countries.
The two nations have agreed on new borders around the Matterhorn, located between the Swiss canton of Valais and Italy’s Aosta Valley.
European glaciers have been severely affected by climate change, primarily caused by human activity.
"Significant sections of the border are defined by the watershed or ridge lines of glaciers, firn or perpetual snow," the Swiss government said in a press release cited by Bloomberg.
The renowned ski resort of Zermatt has been impacted by these changes, with both countries needing to adjust their borders around landmarks in the town, which sits at an altitude of 1,620 meters.
A joint commission agreed to the border changes in May 2023. Switzerland has already signed the treaty while Italy still needs to sign the official document.
In 2023, Swiss glaciers lost 4% of their volume, according to the Swiss Academy of Sciences.
(QGA - Source : The Guardian / Bloomberg / Picture: © Pixabay)